The book also includes recipes inspired by Sandoval’s Mexican heritage, many from her family’s hometown of Mazatlan, Mexico, along with personal photos and anecdotes about the chef’s childhood and life experiences.

The amateur chef said she’s always been heavily-influenced by her cultural roots and her family.

As a home cook, Sandoval said her goal was to create a book of “elevated” meals that could be easily recreated at home. She said her book also touches on cooking basics so amateur chefs can feel comfortable in the kitchen.

Of the dozens of recipes, Sandoval said there are a few that are particularly popular right now with her family members, including her 10-year-old daughter.

For family parties, Sandoval often whips up Spicy Shrimp Ceviche, aka Aguachile, a dish she said takes five minutes to make. For a sweet treat, Sandoval said her daughter often asks for Arroz Con Leche rice balls – a concoction she whipped up on the fly while competing on “MasterChef.”

Sandoval, who now lives in south San Diego near National City, where she grew up, will spend the next several months on a tour across the country promoting her cookbook.

In November, she’ll set sail to the Caribbean on the MasterChef Cruise, a cruise featuring “MasterChef” alums and fans, complete with cooking demos and “Mystery Box” challenges.

But despite her jet-setting schedule, Sandoval said she plans to stay rooted in San Diego and its thriving food scene.

“It’s exciting to see this Baja-Cali mix [of restaurants] coming together in San Diego,” she said. “San Diego is definitely a changing food scene – growing and expanding. I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Sandoval said she’s eyeing the possibility of opening a restaurant in San Diego in the coming years, perhaps once things slow down and she has more time to dedicate to the endeavor. She said her concept will be “something different” and said she’s a huge supporter of bringing more Mexican cuisine to America’s Finest City.